JohnK6404

Wow! A Pens/Crosby fan? ?
The Leafs are fun to watch for sure these days with all that young talent! Now, they need to sign Marner long term (or trade him and Nylander to the Rangers, LOL!)...

Might be time to lock this thread up.

Thanks everyone! I've been a Blues Fan for 40 years.. That was 40 years of Heartbreak and Disappointment until last night..  I'm so proud of this Team.. From worst to first in the span of 6 months! 

@RickinSTL, I know the feeling, but it took a lot more than 6 months. Islanders won only 12 games their first season, then 4 cups. Hey @JohnK6404, the Rangers? You may have to move! Haha, just kidding. But that's better than that Caps fan @Andrew72681 (sorry..couldn't resist).

As a New Yorker and a Ranger fan, I would like to congratulate the Blues and their fans and thank them for beating the Bruins! Boston has enough championships of late! ?
Now, for all you folks in Florida, I’m rooting for Tampa Bay to get it done next year! ?
 

.....to @RickinSTL , @goblues38  and all other Blues fans!

Check out my Youtube videos of our cruise on Navigator of the Seas to CoCoCay! 
 
 

Slow start today.  The shower is great, hot water and plenty of room. The drainage system works quite well.  
Didn't pay attention to the room service times so missed breakfast. Nothing sounded good on room service menu so we got ourselves together and headed down to deck 5 to see what's what. Amazing how dead the ship is while everyone is in port.  Ended up at Cafe promenade. 
Tons of stuff. Dave got cheese pizza and a chocolate dessert. I got
A ham and cheese croissant with some kind of dressing on it
A vegetarian sandwich with eggplant, tomato, lettuce, cheese, and some dressing
Cheese and tomato salad
Fried artichokes
I didn't get the muffalata sandwich or the king Arthur or the shrimp roll, or the pepper salad, marinated spicy cheese, marinated olives, or stuffed potatoes
There are also 4 kinds of cookies, 6 kinds of desserts, cheese, vegetarian, and pepperoni pizza. 
Am I making everyone hungry? 
After all that Dave got Ben and Jerry's chocolate ice cream while I let stuff digest.  I think we will head up to deck 11 in a few. 

Solarium was nice if hot. Pool deck is nice if both hot and loud. Lots of chairs today while people were in port. 
Observations. Pushing a wheelchair is hard work
Crossing over deck 5 to get to 1 set of elevators or the other is the easiest way to do it. Going down stateroom hallways is difficult as some areas are pretty narrow
Get used to walking backwards. The thresholds in most places are high and the wheelchair can't go over them going forward, only backward. Same with the elevators but they are squishy to turn around in. 
Elevators are really slow, often full, so plan ahead, it will take you longer to get anywhere
The spa is nice. They were very helpful with getting Dave in and out of wheelchair and helping him get dressed and undressed. It was a relaxing massage. 
Our MTD waiter is Josip and he's fabulous. Didn't bat an eyelash when Dave asked for grilled cheese, or when we left just as dessert came because Dave couldn't stay up anymore. Very understanding, and helpful. 
All of the staff has been great. Lots of the other passengers too, patient when we go slow or take up room. 
Haven't made it to medical to try to get oxygen tube. They are open weird hours and I didn't manage time too well today. But, there is always tomorrow. 

I love the balcony and do spend time there. Most relaxing time is enjoying breakfast.
I try not to spend too much time on negative thoughts, but before we first started cruising, one of the rare events had just made the headlines....don't remember if it was a quarantine or what. Of course, it's those things that always make the news, but it did get me thinking. If something occurs that keeps us from leaving the cabin, or we get sick or there is a plumbing issue, I want to be able to go outside for some fresh air. The balcony gives us that peace of mind. Just my opinion.

My wife and I always go for a balcony cabin since we do not have the opportunity to cruise nearly often enough (currently once every 2-3 years). We love the early morning and late evenings on the balcony (and I love watching the ship dock or leave port). On our last cruise on Allure, we went with a neighborhood balcony (Central Park) and were pleasantly surprised. We enjoyed listening to the musicians playing down in CP from our balcony and the view of CP all lit up at night. Also, there was a really nice breeze in Central Park on most days/nights.
Unless the ocean view balcony is closer in price (was about $500-$600 more on our sailing) when we look to book, I think we'll once again go for the CP balcony on our next cruise (targeting Harmony in 2021) to save the cash for some other perks.
If we cruise any other class of ship, we'll go for an ocean view balcony. However, when we have the opportunity to cruise more often down the road, we would definitely be open to inside cabins if the price is right. Also, if we do not get adjoining cabins with friends on our next cruise, I may just take a shot at the Royal Up bidding program!
I definitely agree it's a personal decision... what is a balcony with a table and chairs and fresh air worth to you? How much time will be spent on your balcony?

My experience has been to book as early as you can. Usually, the longer you wait, the higher the price. We booked a May 2020 cruise last December and the price now, even with a "sale", is over $500 per person more. 
If you do see a price reduction after you book, the price can be adjusted without losing the cabin you originally chose. Obviously, the earlier you book, the better the cabin selection.
Black Friday pricing did provide a lot of savings on drinks, excursions, etc. For example, the refreshment package that was regularly $26pp/pd and $20 on sale, was $17 on Black Friday. The bungalow on Cococay was $214. Our cruise was on sale, but still wasn't lower than we paid originally.
Good luck and happy sailing!
 

Have a Happy Birthday and an amazing cruise! We'll also be following!
My MIL is now 80 and mobility impaired too (knee replacement a few years ago). We would love to take her on another cruise (my FIL has no desire to cruise ?) and Navigator is on the short list if we can coordinate it with her!

Hi @hsweat22 !
Here are all of the MDR (dinner) menus from my cruise last week on Allure (5/19/19-5/26/19)... Western Caribbean itinerary w/ formal evenings on MON and THU...
 
Day 1 (SUN)...
+
 
Day 2 (MON)... 1st Formal Evening...

 
Day 3 (TUE)...

 
Day 4 (WED)...

 
Day 5 (THU)... Second Formal Evening... Lobster night...

 
Day 6 (FRI)...

 
Day 7 (SAT)... final evening...

 

Here's the rest of the crew. 
We have Carrie, Brielle and Jake.  All tagging along. 

Okay, here's a few of the pictures I found.  This is from an Allure sailing in 2019, courtesy of @JohnK6404's live blog.  You didn't mention what ship you are on, but if you do a searchin the live blog thread you may find pictures from your ship.  But the menus are pretty much standard on all ships.  We did a 12 night on Serenade last year, and only repeated two menus, so they have at least 10 to choose from.  If you eat seafood (I do not) you'll find you have a few more choices than I do.
This one has polenta which is really good.  Forgot about this entree! 

 
This one has the couscous I mentioned: 

 
And another, with a mushroom risotto:

 
No vegetarian entrees marked this night:

I wasn't a fan of the korma:

 
Pasta tonight:

 
Cheese tortellini doesn't have notation, so must be something hiding in the dish:

 
 

BREAKING NEWS! We interrupt your obsessive reading about cruises to bring you this important report. We are no longer in “Guarantee” limbo.  We have been assigned a spacious ocean view balcony on desk 8 starboard rear. More news as it becomes available.
We now take you back to your regular cruise programming.

I think you have a sense that you aren't wasting anything.  I got to know every single party if vision.  I loved allure too but there were entire parts of the ship we never went to.  I love the variety of itinerary the smaller ships can do (Cuba would have been awesome, sigh, and Greece will be amazing!).  I think you see your crew more often in different places and they recognize you more because there are fewer people.  I still think my favorite class is freedom but my next 3 cruises are on majesty, vision and radiance!  Jane

The only small ship we've sailed I guess is the smallest in the fleet, Majesty of the Seas (our others were Explorer, Liberty and Allure). As you mentioned, smaller ships have access to ports that cannot accommodate the larger vessels (both home base and destination). Generally, a much more laid back and intimate experience for those not looking for a ton of activity and entertainment onboard. Ironically, due to the tremendous size and design of Allure, we found that there were many more private areas to relax off the beaten path than on Majesty.
On a small ship, you can experience just about everything the vessel has to offer on that voyage... On a large ship, such as Oasis class, you have to be selective as you are not going to be able to experience everything in one voyage!

I'm so sorry to hear about your ankle and the turn of events with Cuba ?. My wife and I were on Majesty back in 2010. I'm sure you and your daughters will have an amazing time!

Enjoy the cruise!

For those keep track at home!